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Saturday, February 22, 2025

UNIQLO celebrates visual arts and fashion with its latest UT and the UTme!


In time for National Arts Month this February, UNIQLO unveils its art-themed UT collection, which will be showcased at Art Fair Philippines 2025—the country’s premier platform for modern and contemporary visual art.

UNIQLO brings its latest UT collection to this year’s Art Fair Philippines, running from February 21 to 23 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. 

See and learn about the brand’s signature graphic shirts celebrating global pop culture in the UNIQLO UT exhibit in the art fair.

UNIQLO UT is UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt line, featuring designs inspired by pop culture, art, and iconic brands. 

Launched in 2003, it offers collaborations with artists, museums, and franchises like Disney, Pokémon, and MoMA, turning fashion into a form of self-expression.

The newest 2025 Spring Summer UT collection introduces an exciting array of designs inspired by 20th-century artistic legends, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. This marks the first-ever collaboration between the two iconic artists, celebrated for their revolutionary contributions to modern art. Matisse, known for his bold use of vibrant colors, and Picasso, the Spanish master who co-founded Cubism, are now immortalized on UNIQLO’s iconic UT apparel.

In addition to the Matisse and Picasso collaborations, the line-up also highlights exclusive partnerships with renowned art institutions. Among them is a tribute to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston’s Ukiyo-e collection, which features intricate Japanese color woodblock prints from the late Edo period. The collection further includes designs created in partnership with Tate, the UK-based family of art galleries, and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, showcasing modern interpretations of iconic works from MoMA’s extensive collection.

Photography also takes center stage with designs from MAGNUM PHOTOS, curated by renowned photographer Coco Capitán, as well as a unique selection of cat photographs. 

In addition, Picasso lends to the PEACE FOR ALL Charity T-Shirt Collection through a special design to add to the project’s list of esteemed collaborators. Proceeds from the sale of this print go towards UNIQLO’s peace building efforts globally with their three partner organizations: Save the Children, Plan International and UNHCR.

The new UT collection celebrates art, culture, and creativity, offering a wearable tribute to the masters of artistic expression.

Collection Overview

Product lineup:        MENS T-shirts, Php 790

Store availability:        All UNIQLO stores in the Philippines and the uniqlo.com/ph online store

Sizes:        Available in stores: S, M, L, XL

        Available in UNIQLO.com/ph: XS to XXXL

Special website:        https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/special-feature/ut (UT) 

                         https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/feature/peace-for-all/ (PEACE FOR ALL)

Pablo Picasso

Launch Date: March 14, 2025

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 4 Designs, Php 790



Picasso, a 20th-century artistic legend, finally arrives for UT.

As one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso has shaped contemporary art and continues to inspire generations to come. 


Henri Matisse

Available In-Store and via UNIQLO App

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 4 Designs, Php 790

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The first collection with Matisse, a master of art representing the 20th century. Henri Matisse is a renowned artist who left an indelible mark on the art world with his vibrant colors and playful forms.

Museum of Fine Arts Boston Ukiyo-e

Available In-Store and via UNIQLO App

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 6 Designs, Php 790



A selection of Japanese color woodblock prints from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, made by Ukiyo-e artists who flourished during the late Edo period.

CAT PHOTOGRAPHS

Available In-Store and via UNIQLO App

Product Lineup: WOMENS T-Shirts, 4 Designs, Php 790

A special collection of photographs and aphorisms on the theme of “Cats.”

Curated by Tate

Launch Date: Early March 2025

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 4 Designs, Php 790

UT Painterly Gestures Curated by Tate. UT and Tate have chosen works by artists in Tate’s collection who express themselves through paint. indelible mark on the art world with his vibrant colors and playful forms.

MoMA Art Icons

Available In-Store and via UNIQLO App

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 4 Designs, Php 790

Graphic T-shirts featuring a modern interpretation of an iconic work from the collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

MAGNUM PHOTOS

Available In-Store and via UNIQLO App

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 5 Designs, Php 790

Coco Capitán, an artist with global recognition for her photography and handwritten aphorisms, pairs her quotes with each cat-themed photo, crafting a collection that tells new stories through each feline motif.

PEACE FOR ALL Pablo Picasso

Launch Date: Mid March 2025

Product Lineup: MENS T-Shirts, 5 Designs, Php 790

Picasso's 'Bouquet of friendship' portrays two hands grasping a vibrant bouquet of flowers, and was originally created by the artist for the 1958 Peace Conference in Stockholm. As a symbol of peace, 'Bouquet of friendship' encourages us to pause and consider the importance of connection and kinship in the creation of peace - a message communicated by Picasso through his support for the peace movement throughout his lifetime.

UNIQLO also highlights its UTme! customization service, showcasing the joy of personalization in fashion. This platform allows customers to create their own wearable masterpieces by customizing UTme! Shirts and tote bags—whether through exclusive templates or their own unique artwork. Perfect for self-expression, thoughtful gifting, or even fun designs for kids, the UTme! service will be available at the UNIQLO booth at Art Fair PH throughout the three-day event.

UTme! Customization Service are available at the following stores:

■ UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store  

■ UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia  

■ UNIQLO Nuvali Roadside Store  

■ UNIQLO SM Seaside City Cebu  

■ UNIQLO SM Lanang Premier 

Take part in the festivities and explore UNIQLO’s latest collections at the UNIQLO booth. As an added bonus, download the UNIQLO App at the booth in Art Fair PH and receive a ₱300 coupon for your next purchase. For more details, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. Get all the latest news and updates by following @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram.


Friday, February 21, 2025

Empowering Women in Business: Mompreneurs Shine at UN Women WEPs Awards Forum

 Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.  

Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

L-R) During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

 

Women in business

When people think of “women in business,” they immediately think of women executives working for big companies in finance or retail rather than the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who are often the driving forces behind local economies.

 

The pandemic revealed the untapped potential of these women through Madiskarte Moms PH. And four years after its inception, this online community of almost 200,000 mompreneurs continues to promote digital upskilling, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and expand access to community support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses. 

 

PLDT Home, which supported the online community of moms from its founding, helped these small businesses not just to survive but to flourish during their most challenging times.

 

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH Melissa Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.”

 

Vergel de Dios relates the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition and awards for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had—P3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, but it was also unfortunately stolen or lost. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made P7,000. This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes together and sell them. From that P7,000, her income is now seven figures.”

 

PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity for women in business and in tech goes hand in hand with the continuous expansion of its fiber network across the country and support for programs on internet education for the whole family. 

 

“We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,” Vergel de Dios added. Breaking gender stereotypes

Breaking conventional gender roles and mindsets has also allowed the government to map out an inclusivity plan for women. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy said the Philippine Development Plan or “the nation’s blueprint” includes strategies to mainstream gender equality in government. 

 

Moderator and Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised a valid point on women who work from home still bearing increased domestic responsibilities. “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?”

 

Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys said, “We need to take away the mindset that home care is only for women. Unpaid home care is not allowing women in that kind of working model to really succeed. And so participation of the husband in those conversations needs to be more active and the women need to be more forthcoming—it cannot be assumed that it’s understood.”

 

Will AI take away jobs?

As AI becomes more intelligent—by learning from humans! — the inevitable question for every employee is: will my employer replace me with a computer program?


L-R) During the forum at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) awards, Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Ahyee Campos, GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines, Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women CEO, Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy, NEDA Undersecretary and Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH)

 

Not likely, according to Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. “When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. Because the goal of digital transformation is to make sure that you deliver efficiencies as well as ensure that your business is competitive.”


 That future may not always be in the office, according to Vergel de Dios. “Sometimes success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream. It also starts with education so that at a young stage the stereotypes are broken at the formation stage.”


Thursday, February 20, 2025

Donny Pangilinan is PICKUP COFFEE celebrity ambassador

Donny Pangilinan Joins the PICKUP COFFEE Family as Their Newest Brand Ambassador.

Established in 2022, PICKUP COFFEE is redefining the coffee experience in the Philippine coffee scene. With over 300 branches nationwide and 20 million cups sold—including 3 million cups of its iconic Kape Kastila—PICKUP COFFEE has cementedbits role as a key player in delivering premium yet surprisingly affordable coffee to Filipinos.


On February 5, PICKUP COFFEE celebrated a milestone moment during its Welcoming Event at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, where the brand unveiled its newest endorser, Donny Pangilinan, and showcased its signature handcrafted beverages. During the event, Francis Flores, PICKUP COFFEE’s Country CEO, highlighted the company’s mission:

“Since we launched in February 2022, our team has remained steadfast in achieving our mission—to UPlift everyone through delicious, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable beverages, everywhere, one PICKUP at a time.”

Donny Pangilinan’s introduction was a major highlight of the program, complete with a playful backstage search that built excitement among fans in attendance. Sharing the stage with PICKUP COFFEE’s iconic beverages, Donny expressed his enthusiasm: “Saying yes tobjoining the PICKUP COFFEE family was easy. They’ve perfected the balance of premiumquality and affordability—it’s something you don’t see every day. It's become my go-to because it just hits the spot every time.

Known for its bean-to-cup promise, PICKUP COFFEE espresso-based beverages arelbmade with 100% Arabica beans and a double shot of espresso, ensuring bold, rich flavor in every sip. Fans got to witness this firsthand during a live demo, where Donny prepared perfect espresso shots and served Kape Kastilas to lucky audience members.

At the heart of the celebration were PICKUP COFFEE’s renowned PICKUP Signatures: the rich and velvety Kape Kastila, the smooth and indulgent White Mocha, the sweet and bold Caramel Macchiato, and the creamy PICKUP Crème Latte. These crowd favoritesvunderscore the brand’s dedication to serving beverages that cater to every coffee lover’s palate.

PICKUP COFFEE continues to make premium coffee experiences accessible to all, proving that quality doesn’t have to break the bank. From its beverages to its latest partnership with Donny Pangilinan, PICKUP COFFEE continues to prove why #ItsBetterEspresso

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Stay Vigilant: Strengthening Digital Security on Safer Internet Day

 As online fraud reaches unprecedented levels, Filipinos arereminded to stay vigilant and strengthen their digital security—a key message underscored by Safer Internet Day, an annual global movement advocating for a safer and more responsible online experience.

 

According to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), cybercrime complaints more than tripled in 2024, with 10,004 cases filed—a staggering rise from 3,317 in 2023.1 These scams led to PHP198 million in total financial losses, highlighting the growing sophistication of fraud, particularly consumer fraud and online financial fraud, which together account for 67% of all reported cases. Fraudsters continue to exploit deceptive tactics such as fake online sales, impersonation scams, investment fraud, and phishing to steal sensitive information like passwords and one-time PINs (OTPs).



 

Recognizing the growing vulnerabilities of OTPs, the BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is pushing for stricter security regulations to strengthen the country’s financial cybersecurity framework. As part of this effort, the BSP has proposedregulatory changes aimed at enforcing Republic Act No. 12010,or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (Afasa), whichwas signed into law last year to combat financial cybercrimes.This includes requiring banks to continuously enhance theirsecurity infrastructure, implement stronger

 

 
Philippine News Agency. (2025, January 31). Scamcomplaints triple in 2024  CICChttps://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243101

 

 

 

authentication measures, and adopt more advanced frauddetection systems to stay ahead of cybercriminals2.

 

PSBank is reinforcing its commitment to security through key enhancements to its PSBank Mobile app. Clients now have theability to lock access to their accounts on platforms they don’tusually use, ensuring that their PSBank accounts remain restricted to their preferred and regularly utilized channels. They can also lock or unlock their ATM cards through the app, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized transactions.

 

Beyond security, PSBank Mobile continues to simplify digitalbanking with a faster, more seamless account opening process,removing the waiting period for verification and allowingcustomers to open an account with just one valid ID and a selfie. The app also offers zero initial deposit requirements, real-time bill payments, RFID reloading for tolls, and lower InstaPaytransfer fees—ensuring that users can enjoy safe and hassle-free banking.

 

While security systems evolve, vigilance remains the most powerful defense against online fraud. To minimize risks, users are encouraged to follow these key digital safety practices:

 

1. Verify sender identities – Always double-check emails, messages, or calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies. Scammers often impersonate trusted institutions.
2. Avoid clicking on suspicious link– Phishing scams rely on fake websites that mimic legitimate platforms to steal login credentials. Always access bank websites and apps directly.
3. Use strong, unique passwords  Avoid using the samepassword across multiple accounts. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
4. Never share banking credentials – Banks will never ask for your PIN, OTP, or account details via email, text, or call. If someone requests this information, it's likely a scam.
5. Monitor account activity regularly  Frequently checkyour bank statements and transaction history for any unauthorized activity. Report suspicious transactions immediately.
6. Report scams promptly  If you fall victim to fraud,contact your bank and report the incident to the government’s 1326 cybercrime hotline, available 24/7 to assist victims.

 

As cybercriminals continue to innovate, fortifying your digital security is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. This Safer Internet Day serves as a strong reminder that while financial institutions enhance their digital defenses, users must also remain proactive and vigilant. Fraudsters may adapt, but with the right security measures and a well-informed digital bankingcommunity, Filipinos can continue transacting online with confidence.

 
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (2025, January 22). Amendments to Regulations onInformation Technology Risk Management to Implement Section 6 of the AntiFinancial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Regulations/Issuances%20of%20Policy%20Exposure%20Drafts/Exposure-Draft_Amendments-to- Regulations-on-IT-Risk-Management-to-Implement-Section-6-of-the-Anti-Financial-Account-Scamming-Act.pdf

 

 

 

For more information on safe digital banking practices and the latest news on the PSBank Mobile App, visit www.psbank.com.ph or follow PSBank on Facebook and Instagram.

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